Explore the bustling nightlife of Shibuya, Tokyo
When the sun sets, there is a district of Tokyo that transforms into a neon-lit, street-buzzing, nightclub-thumping playground. With tucked-away bars, bustling streets, karaoke clubs and big energy at every turn – it should be on everyone’s must-do list when visiting Tokyo.
Location:
Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Cost:
Tatemichiya www.instagram.com/tatemichiya___daikanyama Open Monday - Saturday, 6pm - 12am
Karaoke Kan Shibuya www.karaokekan.jp/en Open daily from 11am
Paradise Lounge www.paradiseloungetokyo.com/en Open daily, 10am - 10:30pm
Shibuya Sky www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/en Entry starts at $24pp
Made with support of the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tokyo Official Guide: www.gotokyo.org
Correct at 13.06.26
Highlights:
Tokyo is usually a masterclass in precision; immaculate, structured, and profoundly ordered. But there is a notable exception to this rule. Step into Shibuya, and that calm efficiency is instantly replaced by a sensory overload of neon lights and non-stop momentum. It is the energetic heartbeat of a capital city that refuses to stand still, famous for its energetic youth culture
Tim’s first stop was the legendary Shibuya Scramble. With five roads converging at once, this intersection is frequently cited as the busiest in the world, often surging with up to 3,000 people at a single green light. It is an iconic piece of urban chaos, a place where joining the masses to cross the asphalt has become a mandatory rite of passage for any visitor to the district.
When the neon intensity of the intersection becomes too much, take a pivot into the neighborhood’s labyrinth of laneways. Here, the city reveals a completely different character. Tim sought out an “izakaya”, the quintessential Japanese-style pub. These spaces are often incredibly small and intimate, yet universally inviting. At Tatemichiya, a tiny punk rock tavern, he drank sake and sampled Dashimaki Tamago rolled omelette and delicious yakitori skewers.
Once Tim had refueled, it was time to embrace Japan’s favourite pastime, karaoke! Whether it’s ten in the morning or two on a Tuesday, you can book a private room by the hour, put on some food and drinks, and belt out tunes with your friends. The best part is that the only real rule of karaoke applies here: you absolutely do not need to be a talented singer to enjoy yourself.
While the streets were buzzing with buskers and music, to truly grasp the scale and lights of Tokyo, home to over 14 million people, you must head skyward. Tim caught the lift to Paradise Lounge bar on the 46th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square building for a nightcap. Gazing out over the skyline, the city below looked vast and endless. It was a stunning reminder that you could spend a lifetime trying Tokyo’s restaurants and bars, you would likely never visit them all. Shibuya is a district that doesn’t sleep, and with so much to experience, Tim wasn’t heading to bed any time soon.
